Hurricane Season Is Here: What Camden Residents Should Prepare Now

Hurricane season is underway, and Camden County residents should prepare before a storm is on the horizon.

The 2026 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1. North Carolina emergency management officials are urging residents across the state to make plans now in case tropical weather affects their community.

For Camden County, preparation matters because the region is close to coastal waterways, low-lying areas, and major storm routes that can bring flooding, power outages, road closures, and emergency response challenges.

State emergency officials recommend putting together an emergency kit with non-perishable food and water. The state recommends one gallon of water per person per day for three to seven days.

Residents should also have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, extra batteries, prescription medication, over-the-counter medication, pet supplies and any special items needed for babies, elderly family members or disabled household members.

Families should have more than one way to receive severe weather alerts. That can include a weather alert app, NOAA Weather Radio, local news, radio broadcasts or emergency alerts from local officials.

Residents should also create an evacuation plan. That includes knowing where family members will meet if separated, keeping printed contact information, and placing important documents in a waterproof container.

Important documents may include birth certificates, driver's licenses, military IDs, insurance papers, medical information, and other records that may be needed after a storm.

Homeowners and renters should review insurance coverage before storm season becomes active. Standard policies do not always cover flood damage, so residents should check their coverage before a storm threat appears.

Camden residents should also know how to safely shut off utilities if instructed to do so. Gas should only be turned back on by a trained expert.

Camden Tribune will continue sharing emergency information, public notices, and storm updates when severe weather threatens Camden County or the surrounding region.